Inventory: Today in La Liga history (21 March - 27 March)
March 23, 2008 – Bojan stunned Camp Nou
The 2007/08 season was in transition for Barcelona, while La Masia-turned-Bojan Krkic gave the Rossandrre hopes of revival. After making his La Liga debut in September 2007, the young man showed his talent and maturity against Valladolid on 23 March 2008. The 17-year-old and 208-day striker was involved in all of the team's 4-0 wins, first using a precise cross and a header to assist Samuel Eto'o and Andres Iniesta respectively, followed by Iniesta's free-kick and Eto'o's cross. The entire Camp Nou was thrilled by the rise of the rising star, while also being amazed by his outstanding abilities and maturity beyond his peers.
March 24, 2002 – Hierro scored a hat-trick
There are not many record-breaking defenders, and hat-tricks like Real Madrid legend Fernando Hierro are even rarer. Hierro made 497 appearances in La Liga, scoring 105 goals, including a hat-trick at the Bernabeu against Zaragoza in 2002. He first built on corners and penalties respectively, followed by Steve McManaman's pass and Raul Gonzalez's interspersed running position to buy him up in front of the penalty area, and the defender lived up to expectations, knocking on the opponent's goal again with a powerful left-footed shot. Hierro, who is now the ambassador of La Liga, ended his career with five La Liga titles, while also playing 88 games for the Spanish national team and scoring 30 goals.
March 24, 2016 – Cruyff dies
After battling cancer for some time, johan Cruyff, 68, finally passed away on March 24, 2016, a news that also caused grief for FC Barcelona and fans around the world. Cruyff joined Barca from Ajax in 1973 and quickly led the Red and Blues to their first league title in a decade. As coach, the Dutchman won the Spanish league title for four consecutive seasons in 1991-94 and won its first Champions League title for Barca in 1992. Not only that, but the legend also had a more profound impact on Barcelona, creating a special style of play for the team and instilling a winner mentality in the club. He still lives in the hearts of Barca fans, in the hearts of fans all over the world.
March 25, 2010 – Higuain and C Ronaldo are in full swing
On 25 March 2010, Gonzalo Higuain and Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in the first half to help Real Madrid beat Getafe 4-2. Coincidentally, the match was also Higuain's 100th appearance in La Liga.
The 2009/10 season was Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo's first season for Real Madrid, scoring a total of 26 goals in that season, just one less than his teammate Higuain. The Whites formed a luxurious fleet that season, including superstars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Higuain, Sergio Ramos, Raul, Xabi Alonso, Rafael van der Vaart and Kaka. But even so, they failed to take back the trophy from Barcelona. Real Madrid, led by Manuel Pellegrini, made the most goals of the season with 102 goals, but ultimately trailed Pep Guardiola's Barca by three points, taking second place.
March 26, 2014 – Atletico's champions groundbreaking battle
On 26 March 2014, at home to Granada, the Sheets seemed to be in a jolt in the title race. But at the start of the second half, Diego Costa scored his 32nd goal in La Liga that season, and also set the stage for Atletico to win the game. The victory put Diego Simeone's side one point ahead of second-placed Barca by one point and Real Madrid in third place by three points. Although Atletico were not at their best, they managed to win their first La Liga title in 18 seasons a few months later with a "game by game" attitude.